Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1887-02-26

blowing. with welldirected discharges of ar
tillerv, the ranks of the pirates. VINO had ap-
preached within 200 yards. and were picking
of the gunners. In the fruitless assault
many OF the invaders fell; they finally de-
cided TO make a desperate attempt to burn
down the gates. In this attempt they crowded
close up to the castle walls, but they were
met with such deadly volleys Of musketry
and such showers of hand grenades and mis-
sizes OF every description that they were at
length forced TO retire beyond the range Oh
the defenders guns.
Despair for a moment came over Morgan,
and he stood irresolute, trying to determine
what move to make next. But he was FERTILE
in resources as well as desperate in tenacity.
lie TOOK heart as he glanced towards smaller
fortress. which he had sent part or his lorce
to attack, and saw the English colors already
planted on the battlements and the forces
hurrylng TO his support. Thinking tnat the
Spanish defenders would not fire upon priests
and nuns. he ordered his men to seize q num-
Der In their cloisters and drag them to the at
tack. Then he commanded his poor prison.
ers to fix the scaling ladders, which were
wide enough for several 10 mount abreast.
The piOus captlyes were driven forward at
the point of sword and pySe, and as they
came close under the guns of the fort they
fell upon their knees and be
saints to surrender, and SO save his own life
as well as their own. But the Governor was
made OF too stern stuff. He mmanded
that no person whatever should be spared
shot without mercy were poured down on the
heads of priests and nuns, killing a number
Of them before they succeeded in adjusting
the ladders,
But the enforced task was at length accom-
plished, and the buccaneers swarmed up the
walls to the assault. Many were hurled back
again by the defenders. but others held their
footing upon the parapet. and shOwered
hand grenades and pots of powder contain
ing lighted fuses into the Spanish ranks. At
length, with sword and pistol in hand, the
sea rOvefs leaped into the midst of their foes.
who then threw down their arms and begged
for mercy. The Governor alone resisted.
and single-haDded dauntlessly main
tanned the hopeless struggle. He even
slew some of his own recreHnt soldiers. The
buccaneers. unwilling to put to the sword
suck gallant officer. vainly offered him
quarter; his wife and daughter in tears Knet
before him and entreated him to yield. But
his reply was: by no means: had rather
die as valiant soldier than be hanged as a
coward" Several attempts were made to
overpower and capture him alive, but In vain.
and he was finally dispatched.
A strong fort commanding the entrance to
the harbor was still in the hands of The Span
iards, and its reduction was necessary in
order to bring Morgans fleet into the harbOr.
He accordingly forced his prisoners to WORK
the guns of the captured fort against their
brethren in the remaining castle, and under
cover OF this fire stOrmed and cap ured the
stronghold. Portobelo then fell prey to her
ruthless invaders who sacked her houses,
murdered her citizens and at length sank into
besotted sleep, leaving the night 10 be dis
turbed only by the means OF the wounded and
the cries OF heart-broken women.